BY Rokiah Mahmud

The public will have an opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse on November 8. The Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) and the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) collaborated to organise the sighting of the total lunar eclipse at the open space area of the BKISHHB.

The matter was shared by BKISHHB Public Relations Officer Pengiran Fauzisalihin bin Pengiran Salleh in a press conference at the BKISHHB’s Auditorium on Tuesday.

BKISHHB Ethnography Officer Pengiran Mohd Wafi bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim said the main objective for the total lunar eclipse sighting partly is to provide an opportunity for the public to observes Allah the Almighty’s creation, enhance public knowledge about lunar eclipse and knowledge related to astronomy field, especially from an Islamic perspective.

It also aims at having a knowledgeable community in the field of astronomical science; encourage and advancing astronomical field from the Islamic perspective (Falak Syar’ie) in Brunei Darussalam.

Adding on, Pengiran Mohd Wafi said the sighting also serves as a platform to gather astronomy enthusiasts or Falak in Brunei Darussalam; as of the efforts to attract researchers to enrich their knowledge through scientific research and to learn about astronomy equipment showcased at Gallery 8 of BKISHHB; and as one of annual activities between BKISHHB and PABD to further engage collaboration with various sectors.

PABD Executive Member Mohammad Husaini bin Ali Hassan at the press conference shared information pertaining to the total lunar eclipse phenomena.

He said the total lunar eclipse can be observed by numerous regions such as in Asia, Australia, Americas, Atlantic and Arctic.

In Brunei, the lunar eclipse will be first observed after the moon rises at 5.56pm and will reach its peak at 6.59pm. If the evening is clear, the public can observe the total lunar eclipse.

At 7.41pm, it will be a spectacular sight as the entire moon will pass through the Umbra. The moon will pass entire Earth’s shadow and lunar eclipse at penumbra phase will end at 9.56pm.

The public can witness the total lunar eclipse from 5.30pm to 10pm while Sunnat Gerhana prayers will take place at the Surau of BKISHHB after Maghrib prayer at 6.02pm.

However, if the weather does not permit, PABD will hold a free briefing at the BKISHHB Auditorium for the public.

Aside sighting the total lunar eclipse, the public has the opportunity to witness other planets such as Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin